CHESTER Racecourse has lodged plans to extend the use of its 'tented village' on the Roodee by a further three years.

Back in 2017, plans for a temporary site of marquees and hospitality chalets to be in place for the Chester Races seasons were given the go-ahead by Cheshire West and Chester Council. The plans were then granted a three-year extension in 2019, taking approval to the end of the 2022 season.

Chester Racecourse has now submitted plans to extend the permission for the tented village until the end of the 2025 racing season.

Chester Racecourse describes the 'Private Festival Chalets' as being "finished to a very high standard and fully equipped with CCTV, private bar and Chester Bet facilities," and can be booked for guests at a typical price of around £300 + VAT per person for all race meetings, except for the BBQ Package on Sunday, July 31, where prices are £115 + VAT.

The facilities are constructed each year in time for the racing season and taken down within a week of the final raceday of the year.

However, the use of such hospitality chalets was limited until this year, due to the onset of the Covid pandemic, which prevented racing being shown in front of crowds for the whole of the 2020 racing season, and the 2021 May Festival.

A drawing of the site plan suggests the tented village would look nearly identical to the existing plans, save for the inclusion of a centrally located bandstand, an extended lobby area, and additional toilet and Chester Bet facilities.

Previously, residents have objected to the proposals, citing noise concerns and the site taking up use of public land on the Roodee.

Chester and District Standard:

The plans will be decided by the local authority at a later date.